What’s Plaque? What’s Tartar? What Can I Do to Keep It Off My Teeth?

Plaque and tartar are terms that you hear when you’re talking to your dentist about oral hygiene and oral health. Most people are aware that plaque and tartar are problems that can develop on their teeth if they don’t go see the dentist in Grand Junction, CO. But what is the difference, and how can you stop these problems form occurring? Here’s what to know.

What’s Plaque? What’s Tartar?

Plaque is a collection of bacteria that stick together on the teeth to form a biofilm. These bacteria can be found throughout the mouth, including on the gums, teeth and tongue. The biofilm is a sticky substance that is white or yellow. It’s hard to remove.

Tartar is plaque that has calcified and hardened on the teeth. Tartar can stain your teeth, causing them to be more yellow or brown. In addition, tartar attracts more plaque, which then turns into more tartar. The tartar builds up on your teeth in this way.

What Can I Do to Keep It Off My Teeth?

If you want to keep plaque and tartar off your teeth, start by getting a dental exam in Grand Junction, CO. Do this twice annually to keep your teeth clean and slick, and free from bacteria. Plaque has a hard time building up on teeth that have been professionally cleaned by a dentist, so if you see the dentist twice annually, plaque and tartar should be less of a problem for you.

One more way to prevent plaque and tartar from building up on your teeth: brush your teeth twice daily, and floss once daily. Proper brushing and flossing can result in clean, healthy teeth and gums. Your dentist can show you the best brushing and flossing techniques when you come in for your dental exams.

Have questions? Contact your dentist at Western Slope Dental Center.

Sources

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/plaque-vs-tartar#formation-and-differences